Legendary techno producer and dj Richie Hawtin has a habit of merging concepts and new technology to push the evolution of music making and performing further into the future. Hawtin established the +8 record label back in the late 80’s which was largely responsible for defining the sound of techno music for two decades to come. His recording work under the moniker of Plastikman explored the minimal end of techno long before it became the most fashionable sound of the genre. Hawtin also has a reputation for crafting some of the most intensive sound and visual events to showcase his djing skills and the stable of artists who belong to the label. Hawtin threw a few select parties earlier in the decade where he used a custom designed sound system that matched the acoustics of the space. It was nicknamed ‘the system’ and delivered sound that basically rearranged your internal organs. For those events Hawtin designed the dj booth to combine audio, video, and lighting control together in one area in order to create a more theatrical experience.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hawtin’s other hugely influential record label M_nus. To celebrate, he’s planning a select number of events called Contakt around the globe that build on the past and also look to introduce something from the future. It’s called ‘The Cube’.

What is apparent is that the Cube is a highly advanced communications device that responds positively to the presence of humans and interacts accordingly. By acting as a central hub it seems to allow us to direct our thoughts, collect and share ideas, transcend language and interconnect musically in ways previously not possible. We’re still in the early stages of research but it seems our destinies have somehow become interlinked.